Home to the national collection of childhood-related objects, the V&A Museum of Childhood is an informative and fun journey down memory lane. There's lots of free fun things to do for all ages, from exhibitions and displays to activities for children, with fascinating and fun exhibitions that bring aspects of childhood to life.
Term Time Activities:
During Term Time the Museum runs free activities every day including arts and crafts, storytelling and play sessions.
Monday – Friday
2pm - Animal Magic
Join interactive storytelling inspired by well-loved animal tales.
18 months – 5 years
2:30pm – 4pm - Arts & Crafts
Get creative with drop-in sessions, and make a piece of art inspired by the Museum’s collection to take home.
Saturday
10.45-11.30 & 12.00-12.45 - Open Play (FREE, booking essential)
Touch, move and explore – an open-ended play session in a bespoke environment created by artist Albert Potrony.
Book a session from Open Play: babies (10.45-11.30, 6 months to pre-walking), or Open Play: toddlers (12.00-12.45, walking – 4 years).
6 months – 4 years
2pm – 4pm - Arts & Crafts
Sunday
10:30am - Animal Magic
11.30-12.45pm - Play at the Museum
Come and have a go at toys you can find on display at these themed sessions highlighting areas of the Collection.
2pm - Telling Tales
Listen to storytelling featuring popular children’s tales.
Children can help tell the story in this interactive session
2:40pm – 4pm - Arts & Crafts
October Half-Term: Make for Tomorrow
Saturday 19 – Sunday 27 October, 10.30-16.00
This half-term, get creative with a series of activities and workshops exploring a healthier, better future for us and our planet. Coinciding with the new Extinction Rebellion display, and part of the Big Draw Festival 2019, Drawn to Life.
Live Printing with Extinction Rebellion - Thursday 24 & Saturday 26 October, 13.00-16.00 (Free, drop-in, all ages)
Join the XR Art Blockers for a live wood block printing session, using human printing press! Bring your own t-shirts, canvas bag, umbrella, flag or other items you would like to print on.
Stories for the Planet - Monday – Friday 10.30 & 14.00 (30min), Saturday & Sunday 12.20 (30min)
An interactive storytelling session about the animals and people on our planet.
Free, drop-in, all ages
Little Hands Playtime - Saturdays, 10.30-11.45
An open-ended playtime specially designed for little ones and their adults.
Free, drop-in, Ages 0-4
Eco Makers! - Monday – Friday, 11.15-12.45 & 14.45-16.00, Saturday & Sunday, 14.00-16.00
Make it Happen area
Use the materials found in the Museum, recycle and upcycle to create something new.
Free, drop-in, all ages
Make a Mark for Tomorrow - Monday – Friday, 11.00-13.00 & 14.00-16.00
Write and draw on your personal postcard to the future in this collaborative drawing activity.
Free, drop-in, all ages
Create a Placard - Monday – Wednesday & Friday, 11.00-12.15 & 13.45-16.00
Get inspired by the Extinction Rebellion display, create your own placard and be ready to get your message across!
Free, drop-in, all ages
Design a Symbol Patch Workshop - Tuesday 22 & Thursday 24 October, 10.40, 12.30 & 14.40 (80 mins)
Create your own symbol to wear with a positive message for a better tomorrow.
Work with artist Dolores Fasulo to draw your design, and use fabric pieces, paint and stencil to make it into a wearable patch.
£7 per child, ages 7+
Nature Collage Portrait Workshop - Monday 21 & Friday 25 October, 10.40, 12.30 & 14.40 (80 mins)
Take shapes you can find in plants, flowers and vegetables and turn them into a self-portrait.
Experiment with collage, mark making and drawing with the help of illustrator Chloe Dennis.
£7 per child, ages 7+
Painting on a Pumpkin Workshop - Monday 21 – Friday 25 October, 10.40, 12.30 & 14.40 (80 mins)
Use an unusual canvas to paint on – a pumpkin!
Inspired by the Big Draw Festival’s theme, Drawn to Life, create a painting on a pumpkin, with help from artist Amy Brown, to take home.
£7 per child, ages 4+
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